The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E Reichert

The Simplicity of Cider

by Amy E Reichert

Fall in love with The Simplicity of Cider, the charming new novel about a prickly but gifted cider-maker whose quiet life is interrupted by the arrival of a handsome man and his young son at her family’s careworn orchard by the author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake and Luck, Love & Lemon Pie.

Focused and unassuming fifth generation cider-maker Sanna Lund has one desire: to live a simple, quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Door County, Wisconsin. Although her business is struggling, Sanna remains fiercely devoted to the orchard, despite her brother’s attempts to convince their aging father to sell the land.

Single dad Isaac Banks has spent years trying to shield his son Sebastian from his troubled mother. Fleeing heartbreak at home, Isaac packed up their lives and the two headed out on an adventure, driving across the country. Chance—or fate—led them straight to Sanna’s orchard.

Isaac’s helping hands are much appreciated at the apple farm, even more when Sanna’s father is injured in an accident. As Sanna’s formerly simple life becomes increasingly complicated, she finds solace in unexpected places—friendship with young Sebastian and something more deliciously complex with Isaac—until an outside threat infiltrates the farm.

From the warm and funny Amy E. Reichert, The Simplicity of Cider is a charming love story with a touch of magic, perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Gayle Forman.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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I loved the way in which the author allowed this tale to unfold. Each of the characters we encounter experience growth and it made spending the apple season with them heartfelt. This tale takes us to rural Wisconsin and will soon have you hankering for apple cider and warm apple pie.

Isaac and his son Sebastian (Bass) are spending a carefree summer traveling. Isaac wants to shelter Bass and give him one more idyllic summer, before sharing news about the young boy's troubled mother. Their journey leads them to Door County, Wisconsin.  Issac and Sebastian take a temporary job with lodging at the apple orchid Sanna and her father Einar own.

Sanna was not at all welcoming of Issac and Bass. She isn't a fan of change and feels threatened by it but slowly that begins to change. As it does we begin to see Sanna bloom. While I am not sure I would befriend Sanna, I can say I understood her passion and fears.

The story had many threads, but it revolves mostly around Sanna Lund and her beloved trees. Sanna loves her orchid especially the old heirloom apple trees. From them, she creates amazing ciders. She has what her father refers to as the Lund gift. She is able to create different flavors of cider in a unique way.  Sanna is young, but she acts like a prickly old woman. She is focused on her apples and is a bit of a recluse.  She carries around an awful anger and fears change. It wasn't easy to like Sanna, but it was moments with Bass that I saw the six-year-old girl Sanna. It had me holding out hope she was still in there.

These quirky, genuine characters and the apple orchids had me wanting to move to Wisconsin. We have prickly Sanna, her aging father, a bright and inquisitive young boy and a father fearful for his son all working side by side on the farm.  Reichart shares a little of each of their pasts allowing us insight into the characters. She then weaves a wonderful tale about the struggles of life on the farm, from the beautiful heirloom trees to dealing with modern day changes. I appreciated all of the little details from grafting the trees to creating the Cider.

Reichart introduced family tension, troubles with the farm and outside pressures including threats.  These elements pulled characters together and created a memorable tale.  The writing had a wonderful flow, as the author shared details about farm life and meals around the table. Her writing wraps around you and pulls you in. 

Magical Realism is a subtle element in this story and I loved this aspect. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen will want to add this to their list. I love how Reichart describes it particularly the way she tied it to the land and its owners.

The romance was subtle, with stolen glances, quiet moments and slow dancing. While it stayed in the background love was at the heart of this story. For life and love to bloom it must be nurtured.

My only complaint was that a few threads seemed to go nowhere and I felt some weren't properly addressed. While it frustrated me as I waited for reactions and details upon reflection these did not deter my enjoyment.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 June, 2017: Finished reading
  • 21 June, 2017: Reviewed